Meaning & use
all the best
Last updated
Meanings
phrasefixed phrase
A friendly way to say goodbye or to end a letter or email, wishing someone well.
Grammar: Used alone or with a name: 'All the best, Maria.' It is not used before a noun.
Patterns
- All the best,
- All the best to someone
All the best in your new job!
I hope the exam goes well. All the best!
All the best, and keep in touch.
phrasefixed phrase
Used to wish someone success or good luck in a particular situation.
Grammar: Often followed by 'with' or 'in': 'All the best with your exams.'
Patterns
- all the best with something
- all the best in something
All the best with your driving test tomorrow.
We wish you all the best in your future career.
Common combinations
- all the best for the future
- We wish you all the best for the future.
- all the best in your new role
- All the best in your new role!
- all the best with your exams
- All the best with your exams next week.
- wish someone all the best
- I just called to wish you all the best.
Synonyms and how they differ
- best wishes
- Very similar, but often used in more formal written messages and can also be for birthdays or congratulations.
- good luck
- More direct and casual, used especially before a specific event like a test or competition.
Commonly confused: all the best or all the best?
all the best vs all the best
Don't confuse with 'all the best' meaning 'the best of everything' in a literal sense; as a closing it's a fixed phrase.
Practice
Which is the most appropriate way to end an email to a colleague you won't see for a while?
Choose one answer.
'All the best' is a standard email closing. The other options are not natural fixed phrases for ending a message.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “all the best”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.